Countertops

Are you looking to freshen up an out-dated home possibly your kitchen, bathroom, office, or another area that does not get the attention it deserves? Chris Mellon and Company specializes in residential and commercial, existing and new build projects, and can assist you every step of the way. Chris Mellon & Company can create your new space that you have always dreamed of! Our new 10,000 square foot showroom offers over twenty thousand products, including cabinets, countertops, flooring, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, backsplash material, appliances, and tons of other recourses which are readily available to complete any project. We also take the hassle out of designing, ordering, and installing all of the products. We truly are a one-stop shop! If you don't see the product in our showroom, we have tons of catalogs and have no problem getting samples here for you.

Countertop options are endless, but listed below are just a few of our most popular:

Granite offers unbelievable strength and elegance to any design. Granite is a natural stone cut from various locations all over the world. The patterns, styles, graining, and colors make granite unlike any other countertop. You will find it extremely difficult to find two stones exactly the same. Granite has a lot of shade variation, movement, elegance, and charm. Granite still seems to be the most popular choice in countertops, and pleasingly fits into any design. Granite requires little maintenance; a cleaning solution and stone sealer is available and recommended. Granite has many finishes and just to name a few: honed, polished, and leather. There are also different edge choices available: half bullnose, crescent, eased, triple pencil, bullnose, ogee, chiseled, and many more. Because there are so many variables with granite, we have our clients select their slabs to know exactly which stone will be installed.

Quartz offers an extremely eco-friendly surface. Here is a quick, generic understanding of how this brilliant product is produced; quartz is simply ground up granite particles combined with an extremely strong resin that bonds the material together. Unlike granite, quartz will have very minimal movement or patterns, and some clients consider quartz to be very "bland and uniform". The product is found more in contemporary style homes, but also looks stunning and can be combined in a very traditional setting. Quartz is available in abundance amounts of colors and the same edge choices as granite are also available. Quartz is a non-porous material that does not require any maintenance, and will not burn, chip, or crack. Cutting food on quartz will actually dull your knife, and a diamond is truly the only material that will scratch quartz countertops. Here are a few of the manufacturer names recognized as quartz: Ceaserstone, Cambria, Zodiaq, Silestone, and LG.

Marble offers a clean, elegant, and romantic look. This is one of the softer and more porous stones, and requires a little extra maintenance and a few more precautions are necessary. Marble is available in many brilliant colors and has more of a swirling pattern within the stone. The stone is precious and has many distinctive characteristics; however, without gentle care marble will crack and stain i.e. extreme hot to cold temperatures will crack the stone, high foot traffic areas may also crack the stone, and a kitchen countertop used everyday would not be recommended for this stone application. Spilled coffee, fruit juices, tea, and cola will penetrate into the stone and will leave a noticeable stain that cannot be removed. Recommended areas for marble: master bathroom vanity, tub surround, fireplace mantel, or kitchen backsplash. This stone can be used in a lot of other areas; however, remember careful attention is required. Edge choices are also the same as granite and quartz.

Concrete offers smooth, warm look when combined with a more popular natural material like wood, stone, and brick. Concrete countertops would be an excellent choice for a countertop because of the strength, durability, and ability to be cast into just about any shape. Concrete is made of cement, lightweight aggregates, and combination of additives and can be pre-casted in your home or built in a shop before installation. Concrete is available in endless colors by a staining process or integral color, or sometimes both. The edge choices for concrete can be standard or completely custom forms available to replicate any design using molding products. Concrete can also be very personalized with unique embedded items such as pebbles, recycled glass, and seashells. The most important advice, sealing the concrete right away will help protect and minimize the liquids and foods from penetrating in. After sealing, the concrete will be completely stain resistant. Additionally concrete is heat resistant; however, avoid placing hot pots or pans directly onto the concrete surface. Heat will damage or discolor the sealer applied to the concrete. Concrete very often will crack because of drying shrinkage, and it is very common to find hairline cracks; however, repair methods are available to disguise them.

Soapstone has become a very popular choice in countertop material because of its durability and good looks. This stone is not a fussy stone and fits well into any families busy lifestyle. This stone is practically indestructible, it will not burn, and it will not stain. This stone requires very little maintenance, and will add value and elegance to any home. This stone has become popular in bathrooms, kitchens, fireplaces, and many other areas of the home. This stone too has many edge choices available to mention!

Limestone offers a very delicate stone, and is considered a piece of art, extremely beautiful, and the look of this stone will constantly change as it is considered "living". Limestone is found mostly in a beige color. It is a very soft stone and extremely porous, which means it absorbs stains very quickly. Wine, tea, cola, fruit juices, and cleaners will literally turn limestone to dust and will completely ruin the stone. Limestone should be sealed periodically with a penetrating sealer to help prevent stains. Limestone has a smooth and muted complexion. Several edge choices can also be selected for the limestone.

Travertine offers a very classic, old-world appearance. Travertine is available in earth tones ranging from ivory to brown, and is known for its textured, slightly pitted surface. These pits, add character to the appearance, but will easily absorb liquids and trap food particles, eventually staining the countertop; however, travertine's surface can be honed to a slightly matte finish to protect the stone from scratches, stains, and dirt. The pits can be filled in with grout or resin, and the surface can be sealed. Travertine countertops also offer many different edge choices.

Onyx offers a very unique, luxurious, and distinctive choice for any countertop. Onyx is also a very soft stone, and it ranges in colors from a white to deep green. Because onyx is such a soft stone it will scratch and stain. As with any natural stone, we recommend using a sealer to help protect the surface. Onyx is translucent, and a popular way to display this beautiful stone is by backlighting it, definitely ads a focal point to any area in which is displayed. Onyx also has many edge choices available.

Solid Surface offers a smooth, seamless, and clean appearance. Solid Surfaces allows anyone to create any space as individual as they are. There are hundreds of colors to choose from. Solid surface allows you to design with inlays, seamless backsplashes, and seamless solid surface sinks. Solid surface's are non-porous therefore they do not have to be sealed, and is very easy to clean and maintain. The material would be perfect for the exceptionally clean client, because it is very resistant to growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Cleaning solid surface is exceptionally easy with a soapy water solution, also using ammonia based cleaners, or available at local hardware stores is a solid surface cleaner specially made for the surface. Solid surface is available in three finishes: matte/satin, semi-gloss, and high-gloss. Solid surface will scratch, stain, and burn; however, the product is made the same color throughout so it can be repaired. A light sanding of the product with the manufacturer's recommended instructions can repair minor abrasions. Using a separate cutting board, hot pad, and coaster are always recommended to help eliminate any damage to the surface. There are many edge choices available, to list a few: bullnose, roundover, ogee, additionally solid surface offers an additional color inlay as an option. To list a few of the solid surface brand names that you might recognize: Corian, LG Hi-Macs, Wilsonart, Hanex, Brionne, Staron, and Avonite.

Wood offers the beauty and elegance to any design. Wood, being a natural material that will have a lot of shade variations, and just like cabinets the colors and species varies from light to dark, soft pine to hard cherry. A solid wood countertop is a "living" product and requires maintenance, and just like we humans a wood top requires "food" in order to remain healthy and resistant. It is up to your temperament and every day life to select whether an oil, soap, or lacquer is the right choice of surface treatment. Wood tops offer a variety of edge treatments. A popular wood countertop manufacturer: Spekva

Butcher Block Wood is readily available and has been long suggested for the right choice for a meat-cutting surface. A modern butcher block was developed in 1880s and was called at the time The Sanitary Meat Block. Prior to this invention, butchers cut on tree rounds or a section of the tree. A popular wood used to make the butcher block is solid northern hard maple, beech, or birch. Butcher block is very thick and known for its longevity and stability. Cleaning and maintaining butcher block is time consuming, but will add to the life span and beauty. To clean the butcher-block use a sponge dipped in a mild solution of dish detergent and water and make sure you dry it thoroughly. Condition the butcher block with beeswax or apply a thin coat of mineral oil, and make sure not to use vegetable oil for this will make your countertop rancid. Oil the countertop once a month to avoid cracks and the top drying out. We recommend having the butcher-block countertop sealed when installed to protect from any water damage. Any router tool can create a pleasing edge for this countertop.

Glass offers a very popular and high-end appearance to any design. Glass countertops can be customized with a wide variety of textures, colors, and finishes to give the countertop unique characteristics. Glass countertops coordinate well with other countertop materials in the same space. Glass has the same strength and durability as any common natural stone or man-made countertop material. Glass with a textured finish makes dust, fingerprints, and small scratches nearly invisible. Glass is also naturally heat resistant so hot cookware can be placed on its surface, although we always recommend using a hotplate. Glass is also non-porous, making it one of the most hygienic materials available for kitchen countertops. Glass countertops have a wide variety of color choices to blend well with any style of design. Choose from a polished edge, textured edge, or brushed edge. Also a very popular choice: Oceana glass tiles, sinks, and specialized products that we also carry. Recycled glass products have become very popular also because of the recycled "green" content of re-using glass products to make a strong and durable countertop in a wide variety of colors. A popular recycled glass product is known as: Vetrazzo

Metal - Stainless Steel, Copper, Zinc, Pewter, and Bronze Stainless steel has a sleek, contemporary, professional and hard working style, but when it comes to metal countertops, stainless is hardly the only game in the kitchen. Stainless steel casts a modern glow, but zinc, pewter, copper or even bronze countertops meld into traditional or period kitchens. Unlike stone, metal is nonporous and does not require sealing, or more than soap and water to clean the surface. Metal will scratch, so keep a cutting board handy. Except for stainless steel, the metals will oxidize, forming a patina. Polishing will help keep the copper pristine, otherwise expect to see continuing burnished brown-black with green flecks appearing on the surface. Polishing the zinc will help keep its silver shine, otherwise enjoy the blue-gray patina that will develop. If you are very "obsessive" about your cleaning habits, these countertops may not be for you. Excessive amount of work will be involved in keeping the metal look pristine.

Laminate offers an ideal commercial countertop. Laminate is also still being used and a popular choice for the low budget residential client, simply wanting to replace an out dated countertop. Laminate has thousands of colors, patterns, textures, and styles to choose from coordinating with any style or design. Laminates are being made to look like granite, marble, and other natural countertop surfaces. Laminate will scratch, stain, and burn easily so extra care is advised. Laminate is easily cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, and it is not advised to use any harsh cleaning chemicals or abrasives. Laminate can be made into any shape, backsplash options are available, and there are many styles available for edges. Solid surface inlays or wood edges are a popular choice for a laminate countertop. Laminate manufacturers commonly recognized are: Formica and Wilsonart.

Environmentally Friendly Countertop Materials includes: concrete, aggregate mixes, recycled paper, recycled aluminum, reclaimed hardwood, recycled post consumer, industrial waste glass products0

Please stop by and visit our new incredible showroom: 7509 E. Cave Creek Road Carefree, AZ 85377 Or visit us on-line at: www.chrismellon.com to see products, finished projects, and our design process.